Cameron gives go-ahead for torture inquiry

PRIME Minister David Cameron has announced an independent judge-led inquiry into allegations of British complicity in the torture of detainees "to restore Britain's moral leadership in the world".

Mr Cameron told the House of Commons yesterday that the government was ready, where appropriate, to offer compensation to individuals pursuing civil cases in relation to their detention at the US-run Guantanamo Bay detention camp.

It is hoped the inquiry, chaired by former Appeal Court judge Sir Peter Gibson, will report within 12 months.

Solicitor Gareth Peirce, who has represented detainees including Binyam Mohamed, said: "When the state has been involved in wrongdoing, there is an absolute necessity for openness and completeness in facing up honestly to what has been done."

Shami Chakrabarti, director of Liberty, said: "An inquiry into British complicity in torture is welcome and overdue but they wouldn't be in this mess but for all the excuses for secret stitch-ups instead of open justice."